Do you believe that you are allergic to your kitchen detergent? If your hands start itching or if you get blisters and rashes after you have finished washing your dishes, then you might be allergic to your current dishwashing detergent.
In this article, we’ll explain more about kitchen detergents that can cause allergies. We’ll delve deep into the different ways of treating these allergies and we will also provide you with some hypoallergenic kitchen detergent alternatives.
Let’s get started!
How Does Kitchen Detergent Cause Allergies?
Kitchen detergent allergies are usually caused by some of the harmful chemicals added to detergents by the manufacturers. Some of the main culprits include bleaching compounds, detergent components, abrasives, preservatives, and perfumes.
What Are the Symptoms Associated With Dishwashing Detergent Allergies?
If you are allergic to kitchen detergent, you will most likely experience the following symptoms directly after coming into contact with the detergent:
- Swelling
- Burning skin
- Tender skin
- Scaly skin
- Bumps
- Blisters that ooze
- Itching
- Red rashes
How Long Will It Take for the Allergy to Disappear?
Technically, it can take between a few hours to ten days depending on your level of sensitivities. And even with treatments, some symptoms can last for about four weeks.
What Are Some of the Dangerous Elements in Kitchen Detergents?
Some of the dangerous chemicals found in non-hypoallergenic kitchen detergents are:
- Formaldehyde
- Hydrochloric acid
- Triclosan
- Ammonia
- Bisphenol A
So the best way to avoid detergents with the above harmful chemicals is looking for unscented, gentle dishwashing detergent. But make sure you do thorough research on any kitchen detergent before purchasing it. Alternatively, you can use a homemade detergent.
Are Homemade Kitchen Detergents Safer Than Commercial Detergents?
Ideally, homemade detergents should be safer than dish detergents if you aren’t using harmful chemicals as part of the process. Most homemade detergent recipes have the same safety rating as baking soda and salt.
Remember, dish detergents are not just soap; they have a unique combination of unspecified substances and toxic chemicals that can affect your health and the environment.
How to Choose a Hypoallergenic Kitchen Detergent?
Since modern kitchen detergents are made using concentrated formulas, you don’t have to use a lot. And to be on the safe side, it’s good to look for products that don’t feature the above harmful ingredients and allergens. Look for an unscented and gentle kitchen detergent.
How Do You Get Rid of Kitchen Detergent Allergies?
One of the best solutions for kitchen detergent allergies is using a hypoallergenic washing detergent. And since a dish detergent can last for up to 18 months, it’s good to replace it when you notice it affects you rather than waiting for it to run out.
Here are some of effective treatments for kitchen detergent allergies:
- Take an oatmeal bath
- Take an antihistamine
- Use an anti-itch lotion
- Apply steroid cream
- You can also soothe your inflamed skin using a towel soaked in water
What Are Some of the Best Hypoallergenic Dish Soaps on the Market?
If you are allergic to kitchen detergent, don’t fret! Here are some hypoallergenic options that can keep your hands safe:

Dapple Baby Dish Soap
Dapple Baby is a fragrance-free dish soap that is designed to be gentle on your hands. Dapple Baby is the best solution for cleaning breast pump components, pacifiers, sippy cups, and baby bottles. This dish soap removes the odor and residue left by baby formula and breast milk. If it’s safe for babies, it’s safe for all types of sensitive skin!
Attitude
Attitude is approved by the National Eczema Association due to its natural and hypoallergenic formula. This sulfate free and plant based surfactant formula cleans dishes well without giving you a nasty rash!
Better Life
Better life is another hypoallergenic detergent that is free of petroleum, alkylphenol surfactants, and VOCs. This 100% plant-derived detergent also features aloe and vitamin E to help moisturise the skin instead of irritating it.
Final Thoughts
As with any commercial product that has typically been made using harsh chemicals, kitchen detergent gets a bad rap for damaging skin and triggering a host of allergic reactions. Looking for hypoallergenic dishwashing detergent options can help with reducing the allergic reaction you might be prone to experiencing.
We hope our list of product suggestions contains the answer you’ve been looking for so you can put an end to your detergent allergic reactions for good!